Texas group calls for removal of iconic Sam Houston statue from Hermann Park

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EDITOR'S NOTE: In the wake of the story below reporting on the nightmare scenario of the beloved Hermann Park-area Sam Houston statue being under fire from an anti-fascist group, a few more details about the individuals behind the Facebook page were uncovered. Originally, this event and controversy was covered in a tongue-in-cheek manner, which was probably lost on a few people. Texas Antifa is not a real group of radicals looking to get 'ol Sam taken down, but an alt-right troll job. This was brought to our attention by a reader and further clarified by the Houston Press' Craig Malisow on Thursday. Texas Antifa is not affiliated with any real anti-fascist groups that might exist in Houston, and simply made the event page and Facebook group to point and laugh at the rash, unpopular opinions of a hypothetical group of people. All that matters is that Big Sam isn't going anywhere and faithful Texans can rest easy on June 10. The only thing of note happening on that date near the statue might be some engagement photos and a few family picnics.

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The Sam Houston statue in Hermann Park has become a symbol of the city since it was installed in 1925. A group that calls itself Texas Antifa would prefer that it be removed due to the Texas icon owning slaves.

The group, which has a rally planned in Houston on June 10, told KPRC-TV on Monday it would speak to the media about the statue on that date.

The group believes if other Confederate memorials can be removed in other cities, why shouldn't Houston remove the Sam Houston statue? After all, he did own slaves.

"Comrades, we need to fight to remove the disgusting statues of ALL war criminals and slave owners. Texans want these statues removed!" the group wrote May 22 on its Facebook page.

March 2, 1793: On this day, Sam Houston was born in Rockbridge County, Virginia. Tweet host Michael Callahan, @MCallahanTV using #ForgottenDayHOU.

Media: Hearst Digital

"Texans agree the disgusting idols of America's dark days of slavery must be removed to bring internal peace to our country. Several large groups of BLM have also pledged their support for this historic rally against the idols of an oppressive history, hence the name "Anti-Oppression Rally" - These statues are a slap in the face of all Black Americans!"

There is more to Big Sam's story, as most people who took Texas history in school will tell you. The controversy over statue removal in other cities has generally involved Confederate leaders like Robert E. Lee. Houston was not involved in the Civil War beyond wanting desperately for Texas not to be a part of it.

Houston, owned up to 12 slaves, but was also anti-slavery in public life. As a senator, Houston voted against the spread of slavery in the young United States' newest territories. He was also removed as the governor of Texas for not falling in line with other Confederate states when the Civil War began.